U.S. vows to push for two-state solution to Israeli-Palestinian conflict

The Obama administration vowed on Monday to continue its pursuit of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process based on a two-state solution and the borderlines prior to the 1967 war.

White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough once again cast doubt on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's commitment to the two-state option, despite his reassuring statements made lately after being re-elected.

"As difficult as it is, the United States will never stop working for a two-state solution and the lasting peace that Israelis and Palestinians so richly deserve," McDonough declared in his address to J Street, a nonprofit liberal group advocating for a U.S.-led end to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

"We continue to believe that the best way to safeguard Israel's long-term security is to bring about a comprehensive peace between Israelis and Palestinians -- two states for two peoples, living side-by-side in security and peace," he said.

In his efforts to woo far-right voters in a tight parliamentary race last week, Netanyahu ruled out a Palestinian state under his watch and vowed to build thousands more settler homes in East Jerusalem.

The remarks, coupled with the premier's insistence on addressing a joint session of U.S. Congress early this month to voice his opposition to a negotiated deal over Iran's controversial nuclear program, have infuriated the Obama administration and further chilled bilateral relations.

Netanyahu, following his re-election last week, had tried to turn the tide by declaring his adherence to the two-state solution, a position he first endorsed in 2009.

McDonough was not moved, however. "We cannot simply pretend that those comments were never made, or that they don't raise questions about the prime minister's commitment to achieving peace through direct negotiations," he said.

The Obama administration has repeatedly criticized Netanyahu's remarks and indicated a possible change in U.S. handling of the Israeli-Palestinian peace process.

"In recent days, some have suggested our reaction to this issue is a matter of personal pique. Nothing could be further from the truth," McDonough said, adding "America's commitment to a two- state solution is fundamental to U.S. foreign policy."

"We will look to the next Israeli government to match words with actions and policies that demonstrate a genuine commitment to a two-state solution," he remarked.

He also reiterated U.S. opposition to Israel's continuing settlement building in lands it occupied in the 1967 war and the Palestinians want for their future state.

"Like every administration since President Johnson, we will continue to oppose Israeli settlement activity since it undermines the prospects for peace," he said.

Continuing settlement building under Netanyahu's watch had contributed to the collapse of two rounds of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks brokered by the Obama administration over a two-state solution, first in September 2010, then in April 2014.

McDonough envisioned a peace deal under which the borders of Israel and a Palestine state are based on the 1967 lines with " mutually agreed swaps," though Netanyahu had dismissed such lines as "indefensible" in 2011.

In his remarks, the top White House aide also reaffirmed " unwavering" U.S. commitment to Israel's security and continuing efforts to ensure Israel's "qualitative military edge." Endite